Dec 18 in Basic Electronics, LDR Engineering, MINI Breadboard, Recent
Written by: Sagar
READ ABOUT RECENTLY PUBLISHED CLAP SWITCH
CHECK “CLAP SWITCH WITH TOGGLE FEATURE”.
In order to make a clap switch, we have to combine the touch sensor(monostable mode of 555) and the transistorized dark sensor circuits. Whenever there is loud sound produced near the electret condenser mic, pin 2 of 555 gets triggered and it switches on the LED D1. The LED remains on for a definite time determined by R1 and C1. We can adjust the sensitivity of the circuit using a variable resistor in place of fixed resistor R5. You can check the circuit with 1K or 10K.
You can see the steps for making clap switch on the video given below.
Click the video below to see the making steps.
If you want to glow a bulb operating at 220V, use the following schematic:
clap switch operating 220V bulb
Before you make this project, read carefully about RELAYS: http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/ If you are not confident at making circuits, don’t work with 220V, it can be dangerous and harm you.
READ ABOUT RECENTLY PUBLISHED CLAP SWITCH
CHECK “CLAP SWITCH WITH TOGGLE FEATURE”.
105 Comments for: Clap switch
Hello, for understanding the working of clap switch, please read this post: http://www.buildcircuit.com/clap-switch-using-3-different-modules/
and go to different modules pages and try to understand the project in modules. Follow the instructions exactly. for example, make dark sensor first and understand it. Then, make a monostable mode 555 timer, understand it, then finally combine those two project and replace LDR with microphone. If you read all the projects, you will understand the working of all the components.
I’ve tried this several times and followed every step, but whenever I connect the battery, the led turn on and stays on even without clapping. What might be causing the problem? PLEASE HELP!
If it does not work, please try this: http://www.buildcircuit.com/combine-two-dark-sensors-and-make-an-easy-clap-switch/
AND try this: http://www.buildcircuit.com/clap-switch-using-3-different-modules/
Try to make the circuit in modules, please follow the instructions carefully. Best of luck.
hello sir am new in electronics can i know if i can use any NPN on this curcuit please?? can i use 2n2222 am from mauritius can’t get BC547/548/549 and what’s the voltage do i need for the capacitors (Q1;Q2,Q3) can i use (C1,C2,C3 10v please please!!!always i stuck on capacitor voltage is it necessary??anyone can reply me please HELP ME
Hello friend, The project should work with any kind of NPN transistor, it should also work with 2N2222. You can also try with 2N3904 or BD139 or any other. And regarding capacitor voltage, if you are using 6V power supply, use any capacitor with rating more than 6V. the point is, the voltage rating of capacitor should be greater than the power supply voltage. So, you can use any capacitor with rating above 6V, for example, you can use 10V, 25V, 50V, 100V, etc.
If you are using 12V power supply, please use capacitor with 25V rating. I hope this helps.
thanks alot SIR i will try this curcuit!!the second one is it clap on clap off curcuit 250 volts??
good simple and efficient
can i use 9v battery for this circuit???is this work for circuit??
Yes you may
can u please give me the full details of voltage across every point?????
Please measure using multimeter. We don’t measure voltage across all points because there are several projects in this website. I hope you understand.
SIR CAN I USE BC548 INSTEAD OF BC546?PLEASE RPLY ME ASAP …
Yes. You can use BC547/548/549 for your project.
ive mounted this exact circuit shown in the video about six to seven times now and not once has the led illuminated in my attempts…ive changed the microphones thice in these attempts…please help
Please follow clap switch circuit described on this page: http://www.buildcircuit.com/combine-two-dark-sensors-and-make-an-easy-clap-switch/
It’s always good to break a big project into small modules, make separately and join them together. In this project also, I have shown how to make a clap switch integrating two dark sensors made from transistors and 555 timer.
thanks i got it working…but again it doesnt work consistently!also what steps should i take if i wish to mount it on a copper clad pcb??please reply asap
AWESOME PROJECT….but i am having a problem with the circuit that this circuit switches the relay without any sound given to mic after five to 6 minutes and also holds the relay for a very long time sometimes..plz reply me on this
Please do that project in modules. Please follow the steps from this tutorial: http://www.buildcircuit.com/combine-two-dark-sensors-and-make-an-easy-clap-switch/
if it still doesn’t work, I will help you.
What if i need to do this for my room..and my room is pretty large..so what should be my setting so that i can turn the light on with a clap..easy!
Also can you give me a list of items needed..as i could not fid that anywhere~!
Hi
I built this several times and I cannot get the circuit to work. I checked my connections over and over. I’m using two 3904 transistor instead of the BC547 and I’m using a 9volt battery. I rebuilt the circuit from the 555 timer down, and everything from the 555 timer works. But when I test the circuit from the 3904 transistors nothing. Please help…I really need this project to work. I also need to use 9volts, the circuit needs to power something using 9 volts.
Will
I just made another clap switch using 2N3904. It works well. Please checkout here:http://www.buildcircuit.com/combine-two-dark-sensors-and-make-an-easy-clap-switch/
Can you please help me…and tell me where to get the materials for this project..i really need this for my science day!!. 
If you are from India, you can buy the components from your local electronic store, I am sure that you can get from there. In case if you don’t find microphone, take out from a useless telephone. I am sure it also works.
Hoe much will cost for meking this project in India??/
Please help me…..
less than Rs. 30
No it did not cost less than Rs. 30 as the mic itself is now a rare component and that’s why it cost around Rs. 10 and the 555 IC is also around Rs. 5 ……..so it will take about 50 to 60 rupees
i like this circuit…
You should not connect an electret microphone to the base of the transistor. It needs a 4k7 to 10k resistor in series with the microphone.
why not?!?!it is not required to connect any other resistor as there is no resistance required between microphone and base of transistor…..
Thanx a lot its work well .. Thanx a lot ..
Plz help .. Replay me plz ..
i used ne555 ic and transistors are bc547b plz help me plz ……
i tried this project but when connect the battery the condesar mic get heat rapidly kindly heil plz ………..
which battery are you using : 9V or 4AA cells connected in series to give 6V
no that auto turn off circuit s taking more i need circuit 10v input and output 6v or 7v 500ma …. thanx advance …
can i connect the transistor switch circuit to hold on the lamp ….
NO…..It will need a relay to turn on the circuit
thanx ….
how much this project cost …..
If you are from India, it costs less than 50 rupees.
can yu post any charger with auto cut off
Please check out this link: http://www.electronicsforu.com/electronicsforu/lab/ad.asp?url=www.electronicsforu.com/electronicsforu/circuitarchives/view_article.asp?sno=240&title=Auto%20Turn-Off%20Battery%20Charger
Charger with auto turn off
How much does a condenser mic cost in india……………….any idea plz help me???
Must be around Rs. 10-15, even cheaper
very nice
IT’S VERY NICE AND WONDERFUL.
I have a question, what should I do for the LED to remain lit on till i clap again.. ?
should i remove the cap, replace with another component, using the clap-switch schematic with the 555 timer.
What should I do ?
Thanx in advance.
Please read other comments. I have explained about this several times. If you want to make it keep it turned off or on, then you should merge a toggle switch with clap switch. You can get the idea of making a toggle switch from here:
http://www.ldrengineering.org/toggle-switch/
I recommend you to make a light operated switch first so that you can understand how this toggle switch works. Link is here: http://www.ldrengineering.org/light-operated-switch-2/
In the LIGHT OPERATED SWITCH CIRCUIT, replace LDR with the condensor microhone used in clap switch and adjust sensitivity with the VR1- 10K resistor connected from the base of transistor Q2 to ground.
When you adjust this 10K resistor, it will be more or less sensitive to your clap. I am sure that, when you clap, this circuit will switch on the LED till you don’t give another clap and vice versa. After making this project, replace the LED with a relay to glow 220V bulb. again visit: http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/ to get the idea of using a relay.
After you understand this project, try the same concept on the original clap switch circuit. For this week, please try this project. If you cannot make it, I will show you after a week, but please don’t forget to remind me. best of luck.
we can use another type of microphone instead of condenser mic ,or not?
Yes, you can use it.
what is the function of transistor circuit in the diagram?
The transistors together work as switch. the main function of the transistor is to amplify current.
hi, i’m italian,i don’t speak very well english..:) can i have the PCB of this beautiful project,please!?
Sorry, I don’t have PCB now. But I can make and send you later.
another question. which is better to use? a 1/2 w resistor or a 1/4 w resistor???
Use 1/4 Watt resistor. When there is no additional information about watt, you should understand that it means 1/4 watt.
i have a question.. i done the connection but when i connected it to the 6v supply, the led just turn on for a seconds then it turn off. it just like that. if i make sound(clap) led didnt light up., i checked again the connection and nothings wrong about it. i just followed the video.. then when i connect it again to the supply (6v) the same thing happened.. the led just turn on then off.
Your microphone might not be working. just check it once. You need to have at least 2 extra microphones while doing this project. These microphones are very sensitive to heat, so, you mic must have been broken while soldering. Please try again. In the same page, I have shown about how to connect such microphone.
Hi Sagar. Let me tell you that this proyect works perfectly, I just want to ask you one question: How can I do more amplification in order I can clap for a far distance and activate the bulb?
Thanks in advance!
Hello friend, I want answer the first question first, AMPLIFICATION: If you mean sensitivity, then, change the value of resistance R5. In the schematic, there is 4.7K, now you change it to 1K or 300Ohm or 10K and see the change, the sensitivity changes, which means that the LED switches on from far or near.
Regarding your second question, I have already given the schematic on the same page, see below the clap switch page, there is another schematic with the name, CLAP switch GLOWING 220V bulb. Before you make a circuit glowing 220V bulb, learn about relay, otherwise, it can be dangerous. To use a relay, read this article:http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/
hi, me again i did like you said by replacing the LDR with a condenser microphone but the only thing that happens is the relay clicking and i need to tap the microphone only then will the relay click, clapping or snapping my fingers wont make it click. hope you can help me again.
hi, a question. If i want to add more LEDs where do i put them and if i want the LEDs to switch off when i make a sound rather then waiting for them to off on its own how do i do that?
You will have to do some calculations and add a transistor because if you add more LEDs, the voltage and current levels will change. Besides, if you want to turn off immediately, follow this instruction:
If you want to make it keep it turned off or on, then you should merge a toggle switch with clap switch. You can get the idea of making a toggle switch from here:
http://www.ldrengineering.org/toggle-switch/
I recommend you to make a light operated switch first so that you can understand how this toggle switch works. Link is here: http://www.ldrengineering.org/light-operated-switch-2/
In the LIGHT OPERATED SWITCH CIRCUIT, replace LDR with the condensor microhone used in clap switch and adjust sensitivity with the VR1- 10K resistor connected from the base of transistor Q2 to ground.
When you adjust this 10K resistor, it will be more or less sensitive to your clap. I am sure that, when you clap, this circuit will switch on the LED till you don’t give another clap and vice versa. After making this project, replace the LED with a relay to glow 220V bulb. again visit: http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/ to get the idea of using a relay.
After you understand this project, try the same concept on the original clap switch circuit. For this week, please try this project. If you cannot make it, I will show you after a week, but please don’t forget to remind me. best of luck.
just wanna ask. will it matter if we use 10V relay instead of 6V stated in ur schematic?
If you use 10V relay, then power supply should be above 10V . 6V relay is OK for 6V, 9V or 12V power supply.
As you can see that my schematic has 6V power supply, it cannot run/drive 10V relay, so, it does not work with the given schematic. In order to make it run with 10V relay, change the power supply to 10V-12V. It works with 12V also.
So, first change your power supply to 12V then connect you 10V relay. I hope this helps you. best of luck
I have tried the first circuilt, the one that is operated by 6V battery and it worked. But when I tested for several times, it did not work well. When I clapped, it turned on but never turned off. Then it began to blink. I clapped once again and it turned off and on while blinking and ticking even I’ve tested in a silent place. I also tried to used another timer.
Can you post a diagram of the 220V Clap on-off switch? TY
I have tried the first circuit and it worked. But when I tested it several times, it had stopped working well. When I clapped, it turned on but did not turn off. It began to blink and when I tried to clap again, it turned off and on while blinking and ticking….
The turn on and turn off time depend upon the resistor R3 and the Capacitor C2 of 555 timer. time on= 1.1xR3xC2. Therefore change the values of R3 and C2 and see the change in on time. To know more about monostable mode of 555 timer, see here: http://www.ldrengineering.org/modes-of-ne555-monostable-and-astable/
Do you have a schematic of the 220V on/off clap switch? ty
check out this: http://www.ldrengineering.org/clap-switch/clap-switch-2_ldr_engineering-2/ . click on the figure to enlarge it.
read more about it on this page: http://www.ldrengineering.org/clap-switch/
The same question.
What I have to do to increase the turn off- time of the 220V circuit?
Does the 220V circuit turn on and turn off by means of claps unlike the DC-supplied one w/c turns off automatically after few seconds?
220V circuit turns off automatically after few seconds. If you want to make it keep it turned off or on, then you should merge a toggle switch with clap switch. You can get the idea of making a toggle switch from here:
http://www.ldrengineering.org/toggle-switch/
I recommend you to make a light operated switch first so that you can understand how this toggle switch works. Link is here: http://www.ldrengineering.org/light-operated-switch-2/
In the LIGHT OPERATED SWITCH CIRCUIT, replace LDR with the condensor microhone used in clap switch and adjust sensitivity with the VR1- 10K resistor connected from the base of transistor Q2 to ground.
When you adjust this 10K resistor, it will be more or less sensitive to your clap. I am sure that, when you clap, this circuit will switch on the LED till you don’t give another clap and vice versa. After making this project, replace the LED with a relay to glow 220V bulb. again visit: http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/ to get the idea of using a relay.
After you understand this project, try the same concept on the original clap switch circuit. For this week, please try this project. If you cannot make it, I will show you after a week, but please don’t forget to remind me. best of luck.
Can a breadboard carry this circuit?
Yes, you can try it on breadboard. There won’t be any problem, I am sure. but, if you are working with 220V, be careful.
Okay… I’ll try to build this..
Do you have a video or a picture of that circuit?
No, I don’t have. But you can visit http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/ to know about relay. there are pictures about connecting relay in the circuit.
I am done making this circuit and it worked… But how can I reconstruct it to operate on a 220 V output? Do you have a schematic diagram for this kind of circuit? Thanks.
I have just attached a new schematic for operating bulb at 220V. Before you read about this project, I recommend you to read about relays. read from here: http://www.ldrengineering.org/how-to-use-a-relay/
After you completely know about relay, then only work with 220V, otherwise, it can be dangerous. be careful and best of luck. keep on commenting.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks….I have another questions… Are the resistors’ wattage is 1/4 watts? And this 100N capacitor, is it equal to 104 ceramic capacitor? Thanks in advance.
Yes, the wattage is 1/4 watts. and the capacitor 100nF is 104. Actually, the capacitor code works like this: 104= 10 0000pF=10 and 4 zerospF= 100nF= 0.1uF. You can see other capacitor codes from here: http://drakedev.com/pic/capacitors.php
what’s the voltage of the 100uF capacitor? Thanks
You can use 10V to 25V, that means capacitors rated, 100uF/10V or 100uF/16V or 100uF/25V. But your power supply should be 6V-9V only. If you are using power supply more than 9V, then, use capacitors rated 16V or 25V.
Just wondering, is it a 24V power supply?
And, how can I make it possible to lit up multiple LEDs?
Thanks. (:
No, you can use 6V-9V power supply. You can glow multiple LED also. You need to know how to calculate current and voltage for many LEDs. You can calculate here: http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz
Hello, do you have a pcb layout for this one?
Thanks a lot.
please help me with its pcb lay-out because i want to try it as my project
very nice i have applied in my bed room for swith off and on table lamp
thanks buddy for uploading such a innovative vedio
how to download this vedio
You can download this video using a Youtube Video downloader, for example: http://www.youtubedownloader.org/
give me values please
You can see the values from the schematic.
please gie me values of resistors
is this on/off circuit for clap switch???
no. it just switches on LED for a definite time.
Realy good ; i was in search of it since a long time.Thanks a lot
Very cool! I have tried, and it worked very well 
, thanks for showing!
were i buy a electret condenser mic? is that like a mic ok a pc?
very nice. i will try but it will not perform
hi am japhet and am final year student in one of the polytechnics existing in my country and it happen that my lecturer ask me to carry out my project on a clap operated switch and honestly speaking i need and urgent help please i want to know the function of each transistor.capacitor,resistor,condenser mic,rely,bread board and the source voltage help me please thank U as U do so.